share torah logo

Numbers 4:16 - Kohen's sacred oil duty

Numbers 4:16 - במדבר 4:16

Hebrew Text

וּפְקֻדַּת אֶלְעָזָר בֶּן־אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן שֶׁמֶן הַמָּאוֹר וּקְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים וּמִנְחַת הַתָּמִיד וְשֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה פְּקֻדַּת כָּל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר־בּוֹ בְּקֹדֶשׁ וּבְכֵלָיו׃

English Translation

And to the office of El῾azar the son of Aharon the priest pertains the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meal offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it, as to the sanctuary, and as to its vessels.

Transliteration

Ufkudat Elazar ben-Aharon hakohen shemen hamaor uktoret hasamim uminchat hatamid veshemen hamishcha pkudat kol-hamishkan vekol-asher-bo bekodesh uvechelav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּפְקֻדַּ֞ת אֶלְעָזָ֣ר <b>׀</b> בֶּן־אַהֲרֹ֣ן הַכֹּהֵ֗ן שֶׁ֤מֶן הַמָּאוֹר֙ וּקְטֹ֣רֶת הַסַּמִּ֔ים וּמִנְחַ֥ת הַתָּמִ֖יד וְשֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֑ה פְּקֻדַּ֗ת כׇּל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ וְכׇל־אֲשֶׁר־בּ֔וֹ בְּקֹ֖דֶשׁ וּבְכֵלָֽיו׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וּפְקֻדַּ֞ת אֶלְעָזָ֣ר ׀ בֶּן־אַהֲרֹ֣ן הַכֹּהֵ֗ן שֶׁ֤מֶן הַמָּאוֹר֙ וּקְטֹ֣רֶת הַסַּמִּ֔ים וּמִנְחַ֥ת הַתָּמִ֖יד וְשֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֑ה פְּקֻדַּ֗ת כׇּל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ וְכׇל־אֲשֶׁר־בּ֔וֹ בְּקֹ֖דֶשׁ וּבְכֵלָֽיו׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of Elazar's Responsibilities

The verse (Bamidbar 4:16) outlines the sacred duties assigned to Elazar, the son of Aharon the Kohen Gadol. These responsibilities were central to the functioning of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). Rashi explains that Elazar was entrusted with overseeing the most sacred items, including the oil for the Menorah, the Ketoret (incense), the daily Mincha offering, and the anointing oil. His role was one of great spiritual significance, ensuring the proper maintenance of the Mishkan's holiness.

The Specific Duties

  • Shemen HaMaor (Oil for the Light): The Menorah's oil had to be pure, as emphasized in Shemot 27:20. Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 3:10) notes that only the finest olive oil was used, symbolizing divine wisdom and enlightenment.
  • Ketoret HaSamim (Sweet Incense): The Ketoret was offered twice daily (Shemot 30:7-8). The Talmud (Keritot 6a) elaborates on its unique blend of spices, representing unity among the Jewish people.
  • Minchat HaTamid (Daily Meal Offering): This was a constant offering, as described in Vayikra 6:13. The Midrash (Sifra) teaches that it symbolized the perpetual bond between Hashem and Israel.
  • Shemen HaMishcha (Anointing Oil): Used to consecrate the Mishkan and its vessels (Shemot 30:22-33). The Ramban explains that this oil imbued holiness, setting apart the sacred from the mundane.

Elazar's Oversight of the Mishkan

The verse concludes by emphasizing Elazar's broader responsibility for "all the Mishkan and all that is in it." The Sforno comments that this included ensuring the proper handling of the Aron (Ark), Shulchan (Table), and other sacred vessels. The Talmud (Yoma 72b) teaches that the Kohanim were guardians of the Mishkan's sanctity, and Elazar, as a leader among them, bore the ultimate accountability.

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bamidbar 5) highlights that Elazar's role was not merely administrative but deeply spiritual. His oversight of the Mishkan's sacred items reflected his closeness to Hashem, as these objects were conduits of divine presence. The Or HaChayim adds that Elazar's meticulous care for these items serves as a model for how we should approach mitzvot—with reverence, precision, and devotion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was Elazar's role in the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: Elazar, the son of Aharon the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), was responsible for overseeing the oil for the Menorah (light), the ketoret (incense), the daily mincha (meal offering), the anointing oil, and all the sacred vessels in the Mishkan. This was a major leadership role in maintaining the holiness of the Mishkan (Rashi on Numbers 4:16).
Q: Why was the oil for the Menorah specifically under Elazar's supervision?
A: The oil for the Menorah had to be pure and prepared with great care, as it symbolized the constant presence of Hashem's light among the Jewish people. Since the Menorah was a central part of the Mishkan, its maintenance was entrusted to Elazar, who held a high position of responsibility (Rambam, Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin 3:10).
Q: What can we learn from Elazar's duties in the Mishkan?
A: Elazar's role teaches us the importance of responsibility and attention to detail in serving Hashem. Just as he carefully oversaw the sacred items, we must also approach mitzvot (commandments) with dedication and reverence (Midrash Tanchuma, Naso 15).
Q: Why was the ketoret (incense) included in Elazar's responsibilities?
A: The ketoret was a special offering that represented unity and atonement. Its preparation required precision, and only the purest ingredients were used. Since it was a crucial part of the Temple service, it was entrusted to Elazar to ensure it was handled properly (Talmud, Keritot 6b).
Q: How does Elazar's role apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan, we can learn from Elazar's example by taking our spiritual responsibilities seriously—whether in prayer, Torah study, or acts of kindness. Just as he oversaw holy matters with care, we should also approach our mitzvot with sincerity (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 105).